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Build your future in sustainability with ASU’s Sustainability Foundations Certificate

Take the first step toward a career in sustainability with ASU’s Sustainability Foundations Certificate. Gain foundational skills while earning transferable credits.

About the certificate

Sharpen your knowledge in sustainability, technological systems and environmental science through these highly relevant courses. 

In this online program, you’ll work through four ASU Universal Learner Courses. You only pay $25 to begin a course, and $400 at the end of each course to convert the course for credit.

Upon completion, you’ll receive a College Foundations Certificate in Sustainability from ASU, as well as 13 credit hours that you can apply towards a bachelor’s degree.

Total cost: $1,700

Man riding a bike near a white fence

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the fastest-growing sustainability jobs in the U.S. over the next decade include wind turbine technicians (68% growth), solar photovoltaic installers (52%), forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists (24%), environmental science and protection technicians (11%) and soil scientists or foresters (10%).

Woman with a box of fresh vegetables from the garden

Sustainability encompasses areas like conservation, wildlife management, ecology, corporate social responsibility, urban planner, energy consulting, environmental regulation and climate change analyst.

ASU student standing on campus with her bike

Potential degrees include: natural resource ecology, conservation biology, earth and environmental sciences, maritime logistics, sustainability, sustainable food systems and sustainable engineering.

Successfully complete these courses to earn your certificate!

Each course is only $25 to enroll and you only pay $400 to earn credit when you receive a grade that you’re satisfied with.

SOS 100

Introduction to Sustainability

CEE 181

Technological, Social and Sustainable Systems

BIO 130

Intro to Environmental Science

CGF 110

Resilient American Futures

How it works

Get set up

Register and log in to the learner portal.

Sign up for your first course

Verify your identity then pay just $25 to start your first course.

Take course

Complete assignments. Take the exam. Earn a grade that meets your satisfaction.

Get academic credit

Pay just $400 to add this to your ASU transcript.

Repeat steps 2-4 for required courses

Once all courses are complete, and you convert each course for credit. You’ll receive an ASU College Foundations Certificate.

Why pursue this certificate with ASU?

Start today

Open to all learners—no application required.

Earn college credit

Earn transferable credits that can be applied toward a degree at ASU or other accredited universities.

Receive an industry-aligned credential

Your certificate demonstrates your readiness for further academic or career pursuits.

Earn admission to ASU

For learners 22 and older, successful completion of this certificate with a 2.75 GPA meets the aptitude requirements for general university admission to ASU. Learners 21 or younger will need to complete 12 additional credits before earning admission. Learn more about ASU Earned Admission.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to apply to ASU?

No, anyone who is not enrolled at ASU can work towards Career Foundation and Career Mastery Certificate courses — no application required. Upon completion, you’ll get a certificate with the ASU logo, your name and the name of the certificate you completed, along with transferable college credits.

How do I get started?

It’s easy! Begin completing the courses listed on the specific certificate page. Once you successfully complete all the courses required for a given certificate, you will receive an email containing your certificate.

When can I start a course?

You can enroll at any time. Many courses are on-demand, meaning you can start and finish on your own schedule. Some courses run in an 8-week session with specific start and end dates. Each course start date is listed on the course page.

How long does it take to earn a certificate?

The program consists of four courses. Learners typically complete the program in 6-12 months.

How do these courses appear on
my transcript?

These courses appear identically to a course you would take online or on campus as an enrolled ASU student. Learn more about requesting a transcript.

Have questions? We’re here to help!

Support Coaches are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. MST.

Feel free to leave messages after business hours — we’ll follow up with you as soon as we’re back online. 

Phone

844-448-7707

Email

ulcourses@asu.edu

Live chat

Ready to transform
your future?

Take the first step towards earning college credits with flexible, affordable courses designed to fit your lifestyle.

Register now

Please select one of the options below:

Universal Learner Courses for high school students

Universal Learner Courses for adults/college students